In need of energy boost

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chancellor of UBD and HRH Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Pro-Chancellor of UBD, with the graduates during the UBD 24th Convocation last Saturday

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday said that more research should be conducted in areas that deal with deeper understanding of social issues and public concerns.

His Majesty pointed out that research and studies must assist the nation in overcoming issues such as poverty and crimes.

In the titah at the 24th UBD Convocation, His Majesty in his capacity as the Chancellor of UniversitiBrunei Darussalam said research must be done on social issues that are "becoming more critical" to understand their causes and overcome them.

In this regard, the monarch proposed some areas of research on violation of Customs and Excise Act, Immigration Act, Drug Abuse Act, Labour Act, and smuggling of oil and rice, which His Majesty said, "seemed as if they could no longer be controlled. If there is no research, how will we know the cause? If we don't know the cause, how could we overcome it?" His Majesty queried.

The monarch also asked: "Where are the findings? Where are the results of the research and studies that we have been hearing about for the past year?"

His Majesty also emphasised the country was in need of a database of research and information. With rapid technological advancement in teaching, learning and research, it is not impossible to deal deeper into such issues, His Majesty added.

Dwelling on the strides made by UBD, His Majesty said within a short period of a year, UBD has successfully filed 10 patents that could potentially be commercialised. However, the monarch added that this success is not a fair measure of capabilities of the students and therefore stressed the importance of research.

If you want to see the video of the event, please click the image above. Video edited by The Brunei Times.

His Majesty foresaw that the digital era will open doors to opportunities for people to seek knowledge and, in line with the nation's vision, to build a knowledge society in Brunei.

On this note, His Majesty lauded UBD's effort to establish the Academic Personnel Service Scheme, which he hoped would be realised before the end of the year.

The scheme, which caters to UBD's human resource development, will serve as a catalyst for academicians to give their best contributions in producing quality teaching and research, said the monarch.

The new scheme hopefully will attract the interests of international academicians to serve and contribute to UBD's development, His Majesty added.

While UBD's active involvement in international meetings and regional development efforts was welcomed, His Majesty told graduates not to mistake such opportunities as reasons to take the Malay Language lightly.

"I see UBD has been involved in regional development efforts by contributing to the ASEAN Community 2015 through management programmes such as training for English teachers in ASEAN countries in cooperation with the East-West Centre from the United States," His Majesty said.

"In this regard, I have only one advice, that is, do not make this initiative a platform to change or blur our national aspirations in empowering the Malay Language as our mother tongue and official language."

The monarch further urged the nation's youth to think with the vision of developed nations, and use their own language as propelling force to move forward.

"Think like a big nation would and move forward with your (own) language, not like a person without vision," His Majesty advised. Text by Low Leng May and Rasidah of The Brunei Times.

Opportunities at SCB

New dates for interviews - 28th and 30 September. Looking for positions such as RM, Mortgage specialist, Personal Financial Consultant and many more at Standard Chartered (Brunei)

Gendang Jaga-Jaga opens

HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; HRH Prince Haji 'Abdul Azim, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen during the 'Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga' to mark the official commencement of the season of royal festivities for the royal wedding held at Royal Ceremonial Hall of the Lapau yesterday. Picture: Rudolf Portillo of The Brunei Times

The capital echoed with the harmonious sounds of the Royal Orchestra and the royal cannon's 21-gun salute yesterday at the Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga (the Opening of Gendang Jaga-JagaCeremony), signifying the start of the royal festivity season, the royal wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah and Yang Mulia Pg Hj Muhammad Ruzaini Pg Dr HjMuhammad Yakub.

Present during the ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office who was accompanied by His Royal Highness PrinceHj 'Abdul Azim, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen. The ceremony began with Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr UstazHj Mohd Zain Hj Serudin informing Yang Amat Mulia Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abdul Aziz that the ceremony was ready to proceed upon the approval of HRH the Crown Prince.

After conveying it to HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and upon the delivery of His Royal Highness' sabda giving his approval, the Majlis Istiadat Membuka Gendang Jaga-Jaga was ready to begin. Prior to the Royal Orchestra, or Nobat Diraja performance, the Ketua Juru Laki (designated court official) sought the Crown Prince's consent to proceed towards the Patarana to bear the Nakara(drum), one of the five royal musical instruments to be played. The Nobat Diraja then began with beating of the Nakara in unison with the sounds of the Gendang Labik (small drum), Serunai (oboe), the Canang and the Gong accompanied with the firing of a 21-gun salute just outside the Lapau Building.

If you want to see the video of the event, please click the image above. Video edited by The Brunei Times.

The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat read by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz Juned, followed by the departure of the royal entourage to the home of the royal groom-to-be at Kg Beribi.

The Istiadat Menjunjung Kurnia Gendang Jaga-Jaga Ceremony or receiving the bestowment of theGendang Jaga-Jaga at the groom's residence was conducted in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah.

Following a sabda by HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah to give consent for the Majlis Istiadat MembukaGendang Jaga-Jaga to commence, Pehin Dato Hj Yaakub relayed the sabda to YAM Pg SanggamaraDiraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Ba'asith. The Royal Orchestra then began playing a specific tune for the ceremony, which was interspersed for a short moment by the sounds of a 17-gun salute.

Once the music stopped, Pehin Dato Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain informed YAM Pg Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Ba'asith that the ceremony had been carried out diligently. YAM then instructed Pehin Dato Hj Yaakub to convey the message of the completion of the ceremony to HRHPrince Hj Sufri Bolkiah where His Royal Highness assented to the closure of the ceremony. Text by Amir Noor of The Brunei Times and images courtesy of Asri Hj Abas.

Am I turning Lego crazed?

His Majesty the Sultan delivering his titah at UBD's Convocation last Saturday

Congratulations Sean on your graduation

Korean officials visit AITI

A group photo of ASEAN-Korea Centre delegates with AITI officials and ICT Businesses

A group of 12 delegates from the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) today visited the office of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in Anggerek Desa. The investment mission was headed by Mr Kyung Yun Yeom, Acting Head of Trade and Investment Division.

The investment mission visit to AITI, organised by Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) in collaboration with AKC, was to identify investment opportunities in the ICT sector and seek potential collaboration with business partners in introducing new technology.

On hand to welcome the Korean delegation was AITI’s Deputy Chief Executive of Regulatory, Industry and International, Awang Queh Ser Pheng. In his welcoming remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive stated his hope to see a fruitful outcome of this visit by not only exchanging of business contacts but also through exchange of ideas on how to make ICT products better for the consumers.

Pg Sufian of Alif Technologies presented a briefing on their SOS product

Product demonstration on one of the local-made RFID applications

The Korean delegation were then given an insight presentation by Julianah Binti Haji Ali Ahmad, Assistant Chief Executive of Industry Development Group of AITI with regards to its initiatives on promoting and developing the growth of local ICT industry. Three local businesses who are the recipients of AITI’s grant scheme, namely ZimacSilicon Technologies Sdn Bhd, Alif Technologies Sdn Bhd and Indah Sejahtera Development Services Sdn Bhd (ISDS) have also conducted briefings on their respective grant products: Intelligent Clearance Identifcation (iCLID) system, Computer Automated Disptach system (SOS), and Where2Kerja.

During the visit, the Korean delegation was also given the first-hand impression on several Brunei-made ICT products that were showcased by seven local businesses.

In its continuous efforts to promote the development of local ICT industry, AITI has laid out several programs and initiatives such as Grant Scheme, Market Creation and ICT Competency program, in order to assist the local players to develop and expand their products, and build talents and capabilities in producing innovative ICT solutions. The Korean delegation ended their visit to AITI with a better understanding of Brunei’s ICT initiatives and programmes. Meanwhile, business matching and contacts were established between the ICT companies from both countries. Text and images courtesy of AITI.

Wanna learn more about property?

These seminars are always quite popular but it doesn't happen on a regular basis. So this is the best opportunity to get hold of the coachers which is happening this week, one in KB and one in Bandar. And for your info, registration is FREE too.

I've always been keen in property but I've never really set my intentions to it. I was reading past archives of Azea Property Investment seminars and there was one quote that will encourage those interested in property - "Property investing is a "zero sum game".

There will be a seminar on 20th September Thursday at Seaview Hotel, KB and 21st September at Rizqun International Hotel, 2:30pm and 7:30pm. For reservation, call or sms 718 4963.

Check out the schedules for Azea Seminar

Below is a quick interview with the organiser of the seminar.

RA: Can you briefly describe why such courses/seminar is in Brunei.Azea Property: The founder Tang Yang Po, created Azea 3 years ago in Singapore and has been expanding in Asia including Brunei, recruited 900 members in Singapore and 2,000 members in Malaysia. The main purposes of this courses/seminar in Brunei is to provide the public an opportunity to learn how the rich invest in properties.

RA: Does one must have knowledge background on properties? And what kind of properties are you referring to?Azea Property: No, people do not need to have much knowledge background on properties as we are a coaching / educational company and provide a workshop of Strategies in Property Investments. People can apply the knowledge learnt to any kind of properties.

RA: How many seminars have they conducted in Brunei? And is it gaining popularity? How many pax normally per session? Azea Property: We have conducted about 30 seminars since 2011. Yes, In Brunei Azea has recruited almost 100 members. Normally between 10-30 pax per session. Thus seats are limited!

RA: Who are your target customers? Does it has to be those interested in properties only? And normally who are the age group?Azea Property: Anyone can learn, we are targeting someone who wants to learn and apply these strategies in helping themselves. Probably someone in their 25's upwards.

RA: Can you share an example on the benefits if one has the knowledge given from this course?Azea Property: One can create passive income and can enjoy also the benefits of being a member because we will also provide investment opportunities & signals.

RA: Is there any fee involved for this seminar in Brunei?Azea Property:No, preview seminar is free in Brunei.

Loreal Colour Trophy Gala 2012

For the very first time, Brunei news medias are invited to cover the prestigious event of L’Oreal; the bi-annual L’Oreal Colour Trophy Gala in Malaysia. This invitation is arranged and fully sponsored by I A Salon that includes entrance tickets, travel and accommodation of 4 Brunei media representatives. L’Oreal Malaysia is sponsoring 2 entrance tickets. It's such a pity that I have to turn down the offer because of the upcoming Royal Wedding coverage.

I A Salon, who has the most progressive techniques and equipment in make-up and hair styling, has presented tickets of L’Oreal Colour Trophy Gala to Brunei media representatives on Wednesday (05/09/2012). Appeared at the presentation were Hjh Mariam binti Hashim, Director of I A Salon together with Cecilia Lee, the Manager and Chi Siew Lim of I A Salon.

Cecilia Lee during her trip to New York rcently

Cecilia Lee doing a quick demo

Media representatives with the directors and manager of I A Salon

The gala will take place at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on September 20. Considered being the Oscars of the hairdressing industry, 14 Malaysia finalists will compete fiercely to win this highly coveted title and recognition while 5 L’Oreal Artistic Ambassadors will present breathe taking looks on 40 models.

In addition, Brunei media will also have an exclusive interview with Mr. Andrea Stanleick, Managing Director of L’Oreal Malaysia and seminar guest speaker from Australia, Ms. Caterina DiBiase.

After the presentation, Cecilia Lee has a live demonstration on the latest make-up technique and products. Last May, Cecilia Lee flew to New York to attend the biggest make-up trade shows; the International Make-up Artists Trade Show (IMATS) and the Make-up show. From there, she brought back the newest airbrush tools; the TEMPTU and MAKEUP FOREVER that provide magnificent and innovative looks. Latest products brand from MAC, Bobbie Brown, Channel and Dior are also available for its Bruneian clienteles.

I'm pretty sure most of you have use Logitech products and this brand is quite well known for their mouse and keyboard. I used to own Logitech mouse way long time ago. Now you can find different range of Logitech products at Concepts Computer. Thanks to Logitech's regional distributor, MCL Distribution Sdn Bhd, for tying with Concepts Computer to make this possible.

The Logitech mouses are pretty affordable ranging from $12 to $28 and they have a long warranty up to 3 years too. Now that's an amazing deal.

Logitech now has released another item which is useful for iPad 2 and the new iPad owners. It is the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, a revolutionary bluetooth keyboard.

For more information, visit the nearest Concepts Computer showroom or call 2233551/2/3 or 2448102/3.

The Logitech mouses

The display corner for Logitech

Mr. TigerLim kissing the product

Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad 2 or the new iPad

My Open Houses so far

Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank at Radisson Hotel

Peter Feran, General Manager of Radisson Hotel

TelBru representatives at Radisson's Open House

Tourism Malaysia and Abacus Brunei at Radisson's Open House

CEO of TechOne Global during TechOne Global's Open House

Chairman of IFB and Country Manager of Microsoft were also present during the TechOne Global's Open House

Great company too during TechOne Global's Open House

The entertainers during TechOne Global's Open House

Traditional music at iCentre's Open House

Dato Paduka Alaihuddin (left) came for iCentre's Open House

The ladies from Brunei Economic Development Board at iCentre's Open House

Cooking cucur at TelBru's Open House

The theme for TelBru was green

Quite a colourful counter

We were talking of the great food at TelBru's Open House

Mizi, Azian, Nora and Reeda at TelBru's Open House

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Comex 2012 in Singapore

This is a flashback when I was in Singapore a few weeks ago. It was my first visit to Comex 2012 which is the biggest IT expo in Singapore. According to The Strait Times, Comex 2012 raked in a record $72 million in just four days *Woowww* That's just an astonishing feat by the organisers and I only spent 0.000000012% of that sales *lol*

More than 830,000 visitors showed up during the 4 day event and they had 830 exhibitors at Comex 2012. I'm definitely coming here again and I hope it will be the same weekend as Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention too :D

It's not as crowded here at one of the telcos' area

Did you know that they are only allowed to give brochures or leaflets at a specific zone area?

Hard disks and memory cards selling like hot cakes

Crazy prices but hard to choose from

Printer included (not the models)

Canon presence is massive at Comex 2012

Canon presence is massive at Comex 2012

It was all about hard selling

The hourly deals were the best attraction for the crowd

PS3 consoles selling pretty well too after great bargains

Toshiba LCD screens were pretty affordable

There were tons of Android promoters in the building

.... and in the end, I bought myself an Android box

Are you sick of Gangnam already?

I love the booth and the lay out

A great gimmick to entice new users

The Sony mascot

Promoters are everywhere

Accessories were selling dirt cheap too

I realise how they used papers and maker pens to make a statement

Phone casings are selling at ridiculously low prices

Super massive crowd at Samsung booth

It was so crowded that it was hard to clean up

Cameras were pretty popular

These guys almost made me buy one

I was checking myself

Can you imagine that both Samsung cameras were selling at an awesome price of $299?

The Casio booth were attracting the crowd

Just check out the crowd

On the way down...

Even the usher had to control the traffic slow

This guy was probably enjoying himself during the STGCC 2012

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evol eno

Baiduri Bank recently embarked on a project to landscape a vacant piece of land and transform it into a garden as a gift to the people of Brunei in support of the Government’s “Bandar Seri Begawan City in the Garden” green initiative. The completed garden was officially handed over to the Municipal Department in a ceremony held this morning at the same venue.

Accompanied by Baiduri Bank’s CEO, Pierre Imhof, the guest of honour, Awang Haji Ismail bin Haji Abd. Manaf, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, cut a green ribbon to signify the official opening of the garden. Prior to cutting the ribbon, Awang Haji Ismail led guests in prayers to bless the new garden.

The guest of honour then formally launched a newly erected signboard that displayed a warning on littering and the penalties that will be imposed on offenders. The visitors were then taken on a tour of the garden, led by Pierre Imhof.

The garden is on a piece of land belonging to the Government of Brunei located between the Hassanal Bolkiah Highway and Baiduri Bank’s Head Office in Kiarong. Besides furnishing a wide variety of plants, the garden also has a paved path where visitors can take walks and a gazebo complete with garden furniture. Solar-powered garden lights and trash bins have also been provided for the convenience of visitors.

Commenting on Baiduri’s green project, Mr Pierre Imhof said, “Baiduri Bank has always actively participated in community projects, and this garden is one of them. For this garden, we have taken care to select plants that are weather sustainable and can withstand going without water a few days. This is so that we will not have to resort to constant watering thus helping conserve water. We have also chosen solar-powered garden lights in order to conserve energy.” He went on to pledged Baiduri’s commitment to continue maintaining the garden.

“The public is welcome to enjoy our garden facilities”, Mr Imhof said, adding, “but I hope that they will do their part in keeping the facilities in good order and dispose of trash in the proper manner”.

The “Bandar Seri Begawan City in the Garden” Campaign is an initiative by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department with the objective to portray Bandar Seri Begawan as a green and clean city. Text and images courtesy of Baiduri Bank.

Promotion at Tasek Brasserie

Alan Inspiration

IFB and Sunlit spear heading TechXpo 2012

Contracts were signed recently between the Event Organiser InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) and Event Manager Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd for the TechXpo 2012.

Supported by The Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Education and Authority For Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), TechXpo 2012 will be held from 1st to 4th December at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. This will be the third instalment of the technology event and promises to be bigger and better than the previous expos. This year’s TechXpo is in conjunction with the APICTA Awards hosted in Brunei Darussalam.

Another highlight of the TechXpo 2012 will be the first Enterprise Business Matching (EBM) and Product Sharing Session (PSS) which will be hosted by The Asia Oceania Regional Software Park Alliance (AORSPA). Both the EBM and the PSS will be held on the 1st and 2nd December during the TechXpo 2012 in ICC. AORSPA is an alliance comprises of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Myanmar, Taiwan and Nepal. It is a one stop platform stages for the AORSPA to meet, to exchange, to cooperate and to expand business opportunities, contributing to the development of ICT industry. It will be a great opportunity for the local Bruneians to expand and explore your business network across the region. For those who are interested, you can register online at http://www.aorspaict.com/ebm-pss and closing date will be on 20th October 2012.

Are you one of the graduates this year for UBD? It's happening tomorrow at the Chancellor Hall which will be graced by His Majesty the Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. I shall be there for coverage and hope to see my friends who are graduating as well. Congratulations to those who will receiving their certs tomorrow and don't forget to smile tomorrow and be featured on RA's coverage too :D Good luck tomorrow.

The pictures below are taken during the full dress rehearsal of the convocation taken last Wednesday. The images are courtesy of Kitty and Neena Mahrub. Thank you ladies!!

Acer Full Range at The Mall

Acer full range of products are now featured in Concepts Computer's Acer Roadshow. Those who wish to purchase or browse for new tech stuff should drop by Concepts Computer's Acer Roadshow at The Mall Gadong, as part of the four-day School Holiday Expo Sale. LCD monitors, projectors, and slim notebooks such as the Aspire V5 are some of the products on offer until this Sunday.

Acer Branch Manager for Brunei and Miri, Richard Soo, said, "During our four-day promotion, for any Acer brand product that is sold, the customer is entitled to a three-year warranty free-of-charge worth $108," he said.

In other words, the promotion is only exclusive to the Acer Roadshow booth at the Mall throughout the four-day promotion period.

Richard also announced that Acer is enhancing its service to its customers in Brunei and has established a low cost service provider called On Time Service. For instance, you can send your Acer products to Concepts Computer and they will service your items as quickly as possible so you won't have to wait for quite long.

"Before, customers had to send their Acer laptop to Miri for repairs and service, but with our local On Time Service, we can have customers' laptops fixed within three working days" said Richard.

The branch manager said this initiative was an effort to provide better services to customers and that with efficient quality of services, customers will have great confidence in the Acer brand.

Customers should also be on the look out next month for the new Windows 8 launch, where a number of innovative Acer products will be available such as the Acer Aspire S7. Text by Anwar Rosly of The Brunei Times.

Richard Soo (center) with Vincent Pao of Concepts Computer at Acer

Interested in getting an Acer projector?

Find out more about their "On Time Service" from Acer

Fly on MASwings special deals

MASwings is offering ‘Malaysia Day Special’ promotional fares through www.maswings.com.my for its domestic routes, in conjunction with the forthcoming Malaysia Day celebrations. The two days’ advance purchase sales and ticketing period will be from 14 September to 20 September 2012, for travel from 16 September 2012 to 31 March 2013.

MASwings’s Chief Commercial Officer, Shauqi Ahmad, said “MASwings is delighted to offer these promotional fares in conjunction with Malaysia Day, as part of our initiative and commitment to celebrate this joyful and historic occasion with the travelling public especially Malaysians and in particular those in Sabah and Sarawak.”

“Being a community airline serving the people within Sabah and Sarawak, connecting them to the world through our network as well as that of our parent company Malaysia Airlines, we strive to further contribute towards national integration during Malaysia Day by allowing travelers to take advantage of the longer weekend to boost travel within the nation. At the same time, we also allow other tourists to take advantage of the special promotions and enjoy what Sabah and Sarawak have to offer.”

This was my first trip to KK via MASwings last February and it was great.... Maybe I should book my ticket again for next year :D

During this 7 days promotion, customers will enjoy all-in one way fare from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Labuan from as low as RM95; to Bintulu, Sibu, Mulu, Tawau, and Miri from RM105; and from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching at RM115.

Also available are all-in one way fares from Miri to Bintulu, Mulu, Limbang and Labuan from as low as RM85 and to Sibu at RM95.

Those travelling from Kuching will also be enjoying all in one way fare at RM95 to Bintulu and Sibu and from as low as RM105 to Miri and Mulu.

“Customers are urged to book early to enjoy this limited Malaysia Day Special offer and avoid disappointments as seats are subject to availability.” Shauqi further added.

Job Vacancy

DPMM FC back to winning ways

Sairol of DPMM FC scored one of the goals in DPMM FC 3-1 victory over Courts Young Lions

Pressure was on DPMM FC after losing points at home to Harimau Muda and Gombak recently. They turned their fortunes against Young Lions with a 3-1 victory with goals from DPMM FC captain Rosmin Kamis, Sairol Hj Sahari and Ivan Jerkovic. The coach was happy that DPMM FC was back to winning ways and now their focus will be against Tanjong Pagar United FC (23rd September) and Home United FC (29th September). The coach target is still a top 5 finish in the Singapore League and anything more than that will be a bonus.

It was good to know that Pg Salleh is back playing after coming back from injury. Azwan Salleh didn't follow the trip as he was still nursing a knee injury. Now DPMM FC is lying on 3rd place in the Singapore League.

Izzati's opportunity as a scholar

Sunlit Advertising Sdn Bhd's another scholarship local citizen recipient left for the UK on Wednesday to pursue an undergraduate degree. NurAmal 'Izzati @ NoramalIzzati Hj Kamsani will undertake a three-year BA (Hons) Interior Design programme at the University of Birmingham City. Upon completion of the course, Izzati will serve at Sunlit Advertising.

Sunlit Advertising's sponsorship of Izzati allowing her to further her studies is in adherence with His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's titah to enhance human resource development in Brunei Darussalam, as well as being part of the company's corporate social responsibility. Images courtesy of Sunlit Advertising.

Izzati the scholar with Jackson Ting, the Managing Director of Sunlit Advertising before Izzati's departure

Group photo with Izzati's family and friends with Sunlit Advertising representatives

One Music, One Family, One Brunei

The first stardom was a smaller scale last year. This year it looks bigger and better because of the number of local agencies supporting the event especially with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Talent shows in Brunei haven't been given much of a push and I remember the days of Paspot to Fame (P2F) which was well received by the local community but then again it all boils down to support from the local agencies and it's not easy to make one if you don't pull the right strings.

In come Danny Tay, the Managing Director of Dreamz MKZ, who is the main behind the big project. His intention was clear - to build a whole new family entertainment and support the contestants and bringing everyone to be part of the show. He also hopes it will path a new career for the future of Brunei and increase opportunities in the field of Creative Arts.

They will be going to four districts to search for talents but I'm not sure of the venue and schedules just yet. The competition song can be in Chinese, English or Malay. The application form can be obtained from the business outlets of the event's sponsors and also on Facebook. The registration fee is $20 for non-students and $10 for students.

The judges of the competition are Racheal Malai Ali, Mohd Sharif, a representative from Sony Music Label Company and Roy Li of Imagine Music Singapore.

All proceeds of tickets in the finals will go to DANA (The Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Orphans Fund).The cash prizes are $3,000 for the first prize, $2,000 for second prize and $1,000 for third prize. There are also other cash 'vouchers and gifts by sponsors. The theme is 'One Music, One Family, One Brunei'.

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About RA

Established in 2003, RA started off from a blogspot in 2002 before owning the domaining. What started off as a hobby, turned into one of the most viewed blog in Brunei Darussalam. Hence, it is branded as a social news blog. More details on this soon.